Here’s what Commanders should do with each of their 2023 free agents
The Washington Commanders will have many pending free agents following the 2022 season. Some will be re-signed, and others will become restricted and unrestricted free agents.
The Commanders are fighting for a wildcard playoff slot and with four games remaining in the 2022 regular season, the odds are currently in their favor. The team rebuild since Ron Rivera became the head coach has been mostly successful, but additional work is needed to make this team even better. Gaining experience in the playoffs in a few weeks can only help the team and the upcoming offseason will afford the front office to continue the positive steps forward.
In recent weeks, you have seen several mock drafts and now it is time to take a look at how free agency may unfold – specifically, Washington’s free agents. Who will the Commanders re-sign, tender, release, and not re-sign? At this moment, there are 18 pending Commanders free agents that could hit the open market in the middle of March. Obviously, some players will be retained and others will be allowed to leave to sign with other teams or retire.
Today, we are going to take a look at these players and give you a prediction for each one. Which players will continue to call the DMV home? Who departs for NFL glory elsewhere? We will also turn our focus to players who could be released and others who may receive contract extensions. We’ll give you a position-by-position prediction and the rationale for what could happen in about 90 days. Let’s check it out!
What the Commanders should do with 2023 free agents
Quarterbacks
Taylor Heinicke
The Taylor Heinicke saga continues to develop and now it has evolved to an offseason where a crucial decision centering on the former Old Dominion star takes center stage. From going mano a mano against one of the greatest quarterbacks ever and to a 5-1-1 record in 2022 (thus far), Heinicke continues to prove that he belongs.
It’s not pretty and the statistics are less than stellar, but he simply wins and produces when the team needs it the most. If the Commanders choose not to re-sign Heinicke, he will become an unrestricted free agent. He has a substantial number of avid supporters and there are many fans who hold a very negative view of No. 4. There is no middle ground it seems.
There are two factors that favor Taylor Heinicke. First, all of his teammates are fully supportive of what he does each week and they are sold on him 100%. Second, the coaches are solidly behind him as well. Look for the Commanders to re-sign Heinicke following the season.
Verdict: Re-signed at 3 years, $36 million, $20 million guaranteed.
Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz is not a pending free agent following the 2022 season, but the Commanders can release him and have a zero-dollar cap hit. Is that the plan or could he actually return with a $26.2 million cap hit ($27.2 million in 2024)? Don’t expect the front office to keep Wentz at these higher numbers, but would the former North Dakota State star return with a much lower cap hit?
Wentz could test the free agency market, but the market may not offer what he seeks. Is he willing to stay with the Commanders for less than $10 million a year and with no guarantees? Anything is possible in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
Verdict: Wentz is released and signs elsewhere.